Hand-grenade



A. G. BERGMAN.

HAND GRENADE.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 2, 1917.

Patented May 11, 1920.

INVENTOR flw By Attorneys, fiwm WITNESSES:

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

G. BERGMAN, OF NEW YORK, N. Y., ASSIGNOR TO ORDNANCE ENGINEERING CORPORATION, OF NEW YORK, N. Y., A CORPORATION OF NEW JERSEY.

HAND-GRENADE.

Application filed May 2, 1917.

Grenades, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates 'to hand grenades and aims to provide certain improvements therein. 7

The object of the present invention is to provide a hand grenade which shall have the greatest certainty in firing, and the greatest safety in assembling, transporting,

storing and using. The invention includes a number of features of improvement which are hereinafter more fully shown and described. V

Referring to the drawings, which illustrate one form of the invention,

Figure 1 is a vdiametrical section of the grenade;

Fig. 2 is a side elevation;

Fig. 3 is a partial section similar to Fig. 1, taken at rightangles thereto;

F ig.,4 is a cross-section on the line 44 in Fig. 1.

Referring to the drawings let A indicate the body of the device, which is adapted to contain the explosive and slugs or other missiles, if desired. It is preferably made of cast steel and of semi-oval form, as shown. B-y preference the wall of the body A is grooved or cut, as best illustrated in Fig. 2 and as indicated by the reference letter B, for the double purpose of securing a better grip upon the grenade so that it is not so liable to slip in use, and of securing a better fragmentation upon explosion. Within the body A is a chamber C designed to receive the explosive and into which chamber project the firing pin casing D and detonator tube E. The body is closed at its top by a steel center plate F of substantially the same thickness as the walls, and the complete explosion chamber thus comprises acast metal container of considerable strength, practically closed on all sides so that upon the explosion the grenade will fragment effectually without blowing out any portion thereof. The center plate and body are preferably united by strongscrewthreads prefer-.

ably by'forming' a flange G on the center plate, which is internally threaded to fit a Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented May 11, 1920.

Serial No. 165,825.

reduced portion of the body A, although other methods of joining the parts may be adopted, if desired.

Preferably the firing pin casing D is united. by a screwthread, or otherwise, to the center plate F, asshown. The firing pm I preferably extends through the center plate F so that it partially extends within the firing pin casing D. The point J is carried at the lower end of the firing pin and is adapted under the stress of the spring K to be brought. in violent contact with a primer or 0gp placed in the recess L of a prnner base The shank of the firing pin extends upwardly into a scar chamber 0 and is normally engaged by a weighted sear P.

The construction and operation of the sear 1 constitutes an important part of the present invention. The sear is provided with a point Q which preferably enters a shallow socket R in the center plate F. Well above the gpint Q the sear is formed with a weight S. referably the parts are symmetrical and the construction insures that the sear will easily fall in any direction by gravity or shock. The sear is provided with a detent shoulder T which is adapted to engage a hook or shoulder U at the end of the firing pin. This hook is preferably pointed to a knife-edge, as best shown in Fig. 3, and the point of engagement of the hook and collar is so near the vertical axis of the sear that the sear is not tilted by the firing pin 'under the stress of its spring K, but maintains its vertical position until the shock of impact of the grenade overcomes the frictional engagement of the hook U and shoulder T, whereupon the firing pin is released and is forced downwardly to ignite .the primer or percussion cap. By this construction an exceedingly sensitive firing mechanism is obtained which operates no matter which portion of the grenade first strikes the ground or other object with which it contacts. The sear chamber 0 is preferably formed within a sheet metal casing V having a rounded wall W forming a continuation of the oval body A, a fiat top X and a flat side wall Y, the latter extending across the grenade preferably at a point slightly past its longitudinal axis. The casing V may be connected to the body A by screws A, or in any other manner desired.

Means are provided to lock the sear S in means comprise a parachute C which is held within a chamber I) formed by the casing V and a cover E to be hereinafter more fully described. The parachute C is connected by a cord F to the end of the pin so that when the cover E is removed and the grenade thrown, the parachute will fill with air and pull the pin B from its socket in the sear. In order to prevent the pin B from inadvertently or accidentally dropping out of the sear, I prefer to provide a friction means, such as a friction spring G, for retaining it in place. In the c'mstruction shown the spring G is mounted on the top wall X of the casing V and bears against the pin with suflicient friction to prevent accidental displacement while permitting theeasy removal of the pin by the parachute.

The cover E best conforms in a general way to the oval shape of the grenade and serves not only as a removable inclosure for the parachute C, but also as a safety means preventing the removal of the locking pin B so long as the cover is in place. The lower or large end' of the cover fits the upper part of the center plate F and its upper end is formed with a hook or flange H which fits through a hole I in the casing V and under the edge of the hole, as best shown in Fig. l. The cover may be further retained in place by any suitable form of locking means which are capable of a quick unlocking operation. In the construction shown, the form of means employed is a bar J which fits through two apertured lugs K formed on the cover on opposite sides .thereof, and also through suitable holes formed in the casing V. The end of the bar J is preferably split at L and the bar is sufficiently bendable to permit the lugs thus formed to be turned to prevent acci dental movement of the bar (see Fig. 4) while still permitting the bar to be forcibly withdrawn by hand. To assist in the latter operation a ring or other handle M is provided.

The invention also includes another safety means which absolutely prevents the grenade from exploding by accident, such means locking the firing pin in addition to and quite independently of the sear. In the simple form of the invention illustrated, such means comprise a shoulder O which lies across the top of the locking bar J the shoulder preferably having a slanting face P so that when it engages with the bar it cannot escape.

Another safety factor is introduced by providing a means which prevents the unlocking of the device in any event if for any reason the sear is not in engagement with the firing pin. Under these circumstances the spring K will urge the firing pin downwardly until it strikes the locking bar J, which latter is provided with a notched portion Q adapted to receive the shoulderO, thus preventing the withdrawal of. the bar.

lVhen the grenade is to be thrown, the user grasps the body portion A with the thumb and palm of the hand and with one or more fingers engaging the cover E. The bar J is then withdrawn with the other hand and the grenade thrown. As soon as the grenade leaves the hand, the cover E flies off, in which it is best assisted by a spring R bearing against the top wall X of the casing V and being fixed to the underside of the top of the cover E. The removal of the cover permits the parachute to unfold and when filled the locking pin 13 is withdrawn. This sets the mechanism for practically instantaneous explosion at the first shock the grenade receives, which may be occasioned by falling on the ground, or in a trench, or

against the side of a trench. The firing mechanism described may be made sufficiently sensitive. if desired,-so that the grenade will explode even if caught in the hands of one of the enemy. If desired, a comparatively slow-burning pellet may be introduced into the plug M so that firing will be delayed a second or two after impact. In any event it will be understood that when the primer is ignited, it in turn ignites the detonator T which is inserted into the detonator tube E, the opening being closed by a plug U.

The invention as thusdescribed has many advantages over those in use.

In assembling the firing pin casing D is first screwed to the center plate F. The firing pin is then pushed upwardly into its casing. the hooked end thereof passing through the opening in the center plate a sufficient distance so that the sear S can be adjusted beneath it. If an extremely sensitive firing operation is required. the hook U of the firing pin is not pointed directly at the central axis of thesear, but off to one side thereof, the firing pin being capable of rotation to effect this result. The nearer the knife-edge of thehook approaches the edge of the shoulder T. the less shock will be required to release it. Having adjusted the firing pin on the sear, the casing V is then slipped over in place and screwed to the center plate by the screws A and the locking pin B then inserted. The parachute C is then placed in position and the cover E adjusted, in place.

The locking bar J 'l 18 slipped through its lugs and beneath-the hook 0" of the firing. pin and the ends of the bar bent, as shown'in Fig. 4. This assembly of the firing mechanism and its ad-' juncts is accomplished without the possibility of damage, since the firing mechanism is as yet unconnected with the body of the grenade and any accidental failure to enscrewed in place on the firing pin casing D.

The body may now be filled with explosive,

suitable recesses being left in the explosive to receive the casing D and the detonator tube E. The body is then screwed to the center plate F. The lastact in the assembly is the insertion of the detonator T and the closure of the opening by the plug U. The detonator (without which the grenade is not explosive) may, if desired, be omitted from the grenade during the acts of complete assembly, storage, shipment and distribution at the trenches. It may be inserted in a moment just prior to use. If, however, the grenade has been fully completed and due to a too fine adjustment of the scar and firing pin, some shock or impact to which the grenade has been accidentally subjected, the firing pin is released, the bar J forms an absolutesafety device to prevent firing, the 'firing pin engaging with the bar before it can reach' the primer. This condition would probably be unlmown to the user and it would be fatal for him to then' withdraw the bar-J, since the withdrawal of this bar would permit the firing pin to ignite the primer. mechanism, it is impossible to withdraw the bar, since the hook 0 then fits in the notch Q. The parts, however, may be safely restored to working condition, but this re quires the complete removal of the body A with the explosive charge, the detonator and primer plug M. When this is done the firing pin may be pressed upwardly until it is disengaged from the bar J the latter may be then withdrawn, the cover removed, the casing V also removed and the parts reset.

While I have shown and described one form of the invention, it will be understood that I do not wish to" be limited thereto.

since various changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention. While I have shown the device as applied to a hand grenade, it will be understood that various features thereof are applicable to other forms of projectile, which But, by the present forms are intended claims.

WhatIclaim is:-. T-

- 1. 4 In a hand grenade or the like, the combination of a scar comprising a weighted to be covered the member having a pointed portion upon which. it rests and a firing pin having a pointed portion engaging the sear.

2. In a hand grenade or the like, the combination of a firing, pin and a sear comprismg a welghted member havingv a pointed portion upon which it rests and a shoulder adapted to be engaged by a pointed portion of the pin.

3. In a hand grenade or the like, the combination of a firing pin having ahook and a tiltable weighted sear having a pointed end on which it rests engaged directly by said hook. I

4. In a hand grenade or the like, the combination of a firing pin having a knifeedged hook and a tiltable weighted sear engaged by said hook. i

5. In a hand grenade or the like, the combination of a firing pin having a spring adapted to drive it lengthwise and a weighted sear mounted with its longitudinal axis substantially parallel with that ofvthe pin and engaging the latter and havin a pointed end on which it rests, said sear eing tiltable on shock about one end to disengage the pin.

6. In a hand grenade or the like, the combination of a firing p1n having a pointed portion and a spring adapted to drive it lengthwise, a sear having a pointed end upon which it rests, a weight above said end and an engaging means for the pointed portion of said firing pin intermediate of the two, said sear arranged with its'longitudinal axis substantially parallel withthat of the bination of a firing pin, a sear therefor adapted to release the firing pin on impact, a safety pin for the sear, a parachute adapted to withdraw said safety pin in flight, the sear being engaged directly by the end of the firing pin.

9. In a hand grenade or the like, the combination of a firing pin, a tiltable, weighted sear therefor adapted to release the firing pin on impact, a safety pin for the sear and a friction .device for retarding the withdrawing of the safety pin.

10. In a firing mechanism, the combination of a firing pin, a scar adapted to engage the firing pin, axlocking device adapted to engage the pin when the latter is disengaged from the scar, and means for preexplosive charge, a-plate at the top thereof,-

a casing above said platecontaining a part of the firing mechanism. and a chamber above said plate containing an operating device containing a parachute device for said firing mechanism.

13. A'hand grenade or the like comprising a body portion adapted to contain an explosive charge, a plate at the top thereof,

a casing above said plate containing a part of the firing mechanism,'a chamber above said plate containing an operating device containing a parachute device'for said firing mechanism, said chamber being formed parallel within a removable cover.

14. A hand grenade or the like comprising a body portion adapted to contain an explosive charge, a plate at the top of said body portion, a casing fixed to said plate, a reciprocable firing pin extending Within said body portion transversely of said plate, a weighted sear having a pointed end on which it rests for operating said firing pin, a locking means for said sear extending through the top of said casing, and a removable cover for posltively preventing the withdrawal, of said locking means.

15. A hand grenade or the like comprising a body portion adapted to contain an explosive charge, a plate at the top of said body portion, a casing fixed to said plate, a reciprocable firing pin extending within said body portion transversely of said plate, a weighted sear having a pointed end on which it rests for operating said firing pin, a locking means for said sear extending through the top of said casing, a removable cover for positively preventing the withdrawal of said locking means, and a lock for said cover adapted to be withdrawn by hand.

16. A hand grenade or the like comprising a body portion adapted to contain an explosive charge, a plate at the top of said body portion, a casing fixed to said plate, a reciprocable firing pin extending within said body portion transversely of said plate, a weighted sear for operating said firing pin, a locking means for said sear extending'through the top of said casing, a removable cover for positively preventing the withdrawal of said locking means, and

a lock for said cover adapted to be with-' drawn by hand, said lock comprising a bar extending through said cover and said cascasing, a reciprocable firing pin in said casing extending below the same transversely of said plate, a locking means for said sear adapted to hold the same in safety position and a detachable body portion for containing an explosive charge adapted to be applied after the firing pin is cooked and held in safety position.

18. In a hand grenade or the like, the combination of a plate, a casing detachably fixed to said plate, a tiltable sear in said-casing, a firing pin in said casing and extending below the same, a locking means for said sear adapted to hold the same in safety position, a detachable body portion for containing an explosive adapted to be applied after the firing pin is cooked and held in safety position and a positive lock for said firing p1n earned by sald casing.

19. A hand grenade or the like comprising a body portion and casing detachably connected, the casing having connected thereto a plate and also a tiltable sear having a pointed end on which it rests and firing pin, a casing for the firin pin also connected to said first-name casing and adapted to be inserted within the body portion, and said body portion having means for the insertion of a detonator after the casing-and body portion are united.

20. A hand grenade or the like comprising a body portion, a firing pin extending into the same, a casing above said body portion containing a sear, a cover detachably connected to said casing having a parachute within it, a locking mechanism for said sear connected to said parachute, and a locking-bar for said cover.

21. A hand grenade or the like comprising a body portion, a firing pin extending into the same, a casing above said body portion containing a sear, a cover detachably connected to said casing having a parachute Within it, a locking mechanism for said sear connected to said parachute, a locking bar for said cover, and a spring for throwing ofl said cover when the latter is unlocked.

22. A hand grenade having a firing the unlocking of said lock, an additional lock for said firing mechanism and means for preventing the withdrawing of said look from the path of said firing mechamsm.

24. A hand grenade or the like having a body portion, a center plate, a casing beyond said plate, a removable cover beyond said plate, a sear in said casing, a locking pin engaging said scar and extending through said plate, .a firing pin casing within the body portion, a primer plug at the bottom of said firing pin casing, a

detonator tube extending from an opening in said casing to said primer plug, a looking pin for said sear engaged by said cover, a parachute within said cover connected to said locking pin, a bar extending through said cover and said casing for locking the cover in place, said bar extending into the path of said firing pin, and means for preventing the withdrawal of said bar from said position.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto signed my name.

AXEL G. BERGMAN. 

